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Bugged by uninvited kitchen visitors?

As gardeners move back
into their homes after spending the growing season outdoors, they may
discover some unwanted six-legged visitors. In many places in Michigan,
meal moths may have taken up residence in the kitchen, specifically in
grain-based products.

Indian meal moths are
one of the most common of these pests. Evidence of their occupancy can
be small beige, erratically flying moths, or dusty, spider-like webbing
on the top of food products. Foods include finely ground grain products
like flour, cake mix, corn meal, instant potato flakes, corn starch and
pancake mix. A variety of other foods like nuts, dried fruit, paprika,
crackers and oatmeal can be invaded. Dry dog and cat food and bird seed
are often targets.

Indian meal moths feed
as small cream-colored larvae in the food products and then move to a
place outside of the food product to pupate. Small silken cocoons might
be found in stacks of napkins, boxes of coffee filters or drinking
straws. The adults do not eat, just mate and fly.

The cure is simple
but time consuming. This is “Sort, Save or Toss” time. You’ll need to
check closed boxes, too. Put products without evidence of insect
invasion into airtight containers or the refrigerator or freezer. Throw
out infested products. Buy small amounts of new products when needed and
containerize them until there are no more problems.

August 4, 2016 | Dave Smitley | Asiatic garden beetles have had a big summer in mid-Michigan. Adult beetles are mostly a nuisance, but may chew the outer edges of leaves of many yard and garden plants.